PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Heinrich zu Lichtenberg (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Svyatoslav Kudryavtsev (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.

zu Lichtenberg
vs
Kudryavtsev

185 cm
19
185 lbs
3 - 1 - 0

185 cm
26
191 lbs
4 - 1 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Solid boxing
Granite chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Good elbows
Powerful

Bloodbath Fighting Clothes

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 3 - 1 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Heinrich zu Lichtenberg!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 1 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Svyatoslav Kudryavtsev!
The judges for this bout are Ivan Kurochkin, Fedor Mirinova and Illya Tyunina.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Kudryavtsev takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
zu Lichtenberg tries to clinch there but Kudryavtsev circles away.

zu Lichtenberg gets a clinch.
zu Lichtenberg wants to break free but Kudryavtsev has control.
Kudryavtsev has zu Lichtenberg pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. zu Lichtenberg manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.

Kudryavtsev has zu Lichtenberg pressed up against the cage. He's trying to work for a single leg takedown. Kudryavtsev pulls back from the cage and twists to the side, sending zu Lichtenberg tumbling to the mat - Kudryavtsev dives into zu Lichtenberg's guard.
Kudryavtsev throws a big right hand that misses.
Kudryavtsev throws a strike but zu Lichtenberg rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.
Kudryavtsev has a closed guard, preventing zu Lichtenberg from standing up.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Kudryavtsev has his foot on zu Lichtenberg's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. zu Lichtenberg works his way back into a safe position though.

Kudryavtsev working for a triangle but zu Lichtenberg defends it easily.
Kudryavtsev keeping moving, preventing zu Lichtenberg from controlling successfully.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Kudryavtsev striking off his back but it's not causing zu Lichtenberg any problems.
zu Lichtenberg is looking to stand up but Kudryavtsev won't let him.
zu Lichtenberg has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.
Kudryavtsev throws a couple of weedy looking strikes off his back.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.
Kudryavtsev is trying to control the position but zu Lichtenberg postures up.
Kudryavtsev keeping moving, preventing zu Lichtenberg from controlling successfully.
If this pace continues, the referee will definitely step in and force a standup.
Kudryavtsev is pulling down on zu Lichtenberg's head. It's preventing any offense from zu Lichtenberg, at least for the moment.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.
Kudryavtsev fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Kudryavtsev looks gassed!
A clash of legs there as Kudryavtsev blocks the low kick.
zu Lichtenberg stalks Kudryavtsev and leaps in with a furious combination of punches. Uppercuts and crosses smash into Kudryavtsev's face. Kudryavtsev staggers backwards, shaken.
Kudryavtsev closes the distance and clinches up with zu Lichtenberg, looking for a takedown. Kudryavtsev pushes zu Lichtenberg against the cage but zu Lichtenberg circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Heinrich zu Lichtenberg has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Svyatoslav Kudryavtsev.

Kudryavtsev gets tackled into the cage by zu Lichtenberg. zu Lichtenberg maintains the clinch.
Kudryavtsev is working for takedown but zu Lichtenberg is calmly controlling the position for now.
Kudryavtsev dodges an elbow strike from zu Lichtenberg.
A short right hand to the side of the head by zu Lichtenberg.
Kudryavtsev being controlled against the cage.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Nice body punch from zu Lichtenberg.
zu Lichtenberg is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
zu Lichtenberg can't break the clinch.
A left hand lands to the body for zu Lichtenberg.
zu Lichtenberg has Kudryavtsev pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Kudryavtsev manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
zu Lichtenberg lands a left hand.
zu Lichtenberg gets underhooks to prevent Kudryavtsev's takedown attempt.
zu Lichtenberg is trying to break free.
zu Lichtenberg scores with a shoulder strike.
Kudryavtsev has zu Lichtenberg pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. zu Lichtenberg manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
zu Lichtenberg has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
zu Lichtenberg tries to pull guard but Kudryavtsev won't allow it.
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
zu Lichtenberg tries to break free but Kudryavtsev pushes him back against the cage.
Kudryavtsev is pressed up against the cage. zu Lichtenberg has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Kudryavtsev down to the mat. Kudryavtsev avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
zu Lichtenberg throws a leg kick but Kudryavtsev sees it coming and moves out of range.
Heinrich zu Lichtenberg is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
zu Lichtenberg finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.
A shot to the liver by zu Lichtenberg. Beautiful body shot.
Kudryavtsev shoots in looking for a takedown but zu Lichtenberg manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Kudryavtsev's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kudryavtsev keeps the fight on the outside.

Kudryavtsev fakes an overhand right and shoots for a takedown. zu Lichtenberg sprawls well initially but Kudryavtsev persists and gets the takedown into half guard.
zu Lichtenberg trying to hold on to Kudryavtsev's head to control him but Kudryavtsev postures up.

zu Lichtenberg kicks Kudryavtsev off and gets back to his feet.
zu Lichtenberg looks to land a left hand but Kudryavtsev moved out of range nicely.
zu Lichtenberg misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Kudryavtsev shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. zu Lichtenberg defends it nicely.
zu Lichtenberg stuffs the takedown attempt from Kudryavtsev. Kudryavtsev gets slowly back to his feet.
zu Lichtenberg throws a low kick but Kudryavtsev avoids it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Heinrich zu Lichtenberg dominated that round.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Nice sprawl there from zu Lichtenberg as Kudryavtsev shoots in.
No joy there for zu Lichtenberg, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Kudryavtsev shoots in looking for a takedown. zu Lichtenberg tries to sprawl out of it but Kudryavtsev keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. zu Lichtenberg manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.

Kudryavtsev tries to keep at a distance but zu Lichtenberg has taken the fight into the clinch.
zu Lichtenberg tries to land knees in the clinch but Kudryavtsev avoids the damage to the body.
Kudryavtsev has zu Lichtenberg pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. zu Lichtenberg manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Heinrich zu Lichtenberg has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Svyatoslav Kudryavtsev.
zu Lichtenberg is trying to break free.
zu Lichtenberg tries to break the clinch but Kudryavtsev is controlling the position.
Kudryavtsev has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. zu Lichtenberg avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kudryavtsev prevents zu Lichtenberg from breaking the clinch.
A right hook to the body lands for zu Lichtenberg.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
zu Lichtenberg is trying to break free.
Kudryavtsev has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. zu Lichtenberg is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.

zu Lichtenberg breaks from the clinch.
zu Lichtenberg scores to the head and body with a nice combination!
zu Lichtenberg closes the distance and lands a one-two.

That's one minute gone in the round.
zu Lichtenberg doesn't manage to clinch there - Kudryavtsev circles away.
zu Lichtenberg stuffs the takedown.
zu Lichtenberg attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.
Svyatoslav Kudryavtsev seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Good shot there by zu Lichtenberg.
Kudryavtsev shoots in for a takedown but zu Lichtenberg shows good takedown defense.
Heinrich zu Lichtenberg is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.

Kudryavtsev changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. zu Lichtenberg looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.
Kudryavtsev trying to control the action but zu Lichtenberg is working from the bottom.
zu Lichtenberg is trying to buck Kudryavtsev off.

Kudryavtsev swings around for an armbar but zu Lichtenberg sees it coming a mile off and turns beautifully into Kudryavtsev's guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
zu Lichtenberg won't allow Kudryavtsev to get back to his feet.
Kudryavtsev will have to put a bit more behind his punches if he's going to do any damage from this position.

Kudryavtsev working for a triangle but zu Lichtenberg defends it easily.
Kudryavtsev trying to control the position.
zu Lichtenberg showing good wrestling skills to control the position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Kudryavtsev working for a triangle but zu Lichtenberg defends it easily.

Kudryavtsev looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
zu Lichtenberg is looking to stand up but Kudryavtsev won't let him.

Kudryavtsev looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
zu Lichtenberg wants to stand but Kudryavtsev has a closed guard, so he can't escape.

Kudryavtsev working for a triangle but zu Lichtenberg defends it easily.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
zu Lichtenberg trying to stand up but can't free himself from Kudryavtsev's guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Heinrich zu Lichtenberg dominated that second round.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action. This is the final round!

Kudryavtsev misses with a takedown attempt - zu Lichtenberg sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Kudryavtsev takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
Kudryavtsev shoots in looking for a takedown. zu Lichtenberg tries to sprawl out of it but Kudryavtsev keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. zu Lichtenberg manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Kudryavtsev takes a shot to the body in his stride.
zu Lichtenberg with a hook.
zu Lichtenberg connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Kudryavtsev tries to move into range but zu Lichtenberg moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Kudryavtsev takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
zu Lichtenberg throws a right and a left that Kudryavtsev avoids nicely.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Good work by Kudryavtsev as he checks the leg kick.

Kudryavtsev is looking for a takedown here. He's shot in and has managed to get it, finishing up in zu Lichtenberg's half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kudryavtsev is trying to control the action in half guard but zu Lichtenberg is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.

Kudryavtsev is looking for a kimura but zu Lichtenberg is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Kudryavtsev to get the leverage.
Kudryavtsev throwing shots but zu Lichtenberg is blocking nicely.
zu Lichtenberg is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Kudryavtsev is trying to control the action in half guard but zu Lichtenberg is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
zu Lichtenberg tries to roll over but Kudryavtsev keeps him under control.
zu Lichtenberg keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Kudryavtsev throws a strike but zu Lichtenberg avoids it easily and moves to full guard.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Kudryavtsev accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Kudryavtsev prevents zu Lichtenberg from getting back to his feet.
zu Lichtenberg keeping full guard, as Kudryavtsev tries to pass.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kudryavtsev wants to control from the top but zu Lichtenberg keeps moving.
Kudryavtsev won't allow zu Lichtenberg to get back to his feet.
Kudryavtsev throwing strikes from guard but zu Lichtenberg blocks nicely.
zu Lichtenberg avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
zu Lichtenberg wants to get back to his feet but Kudryavtsev is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Kudryavtsev working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Kudryavtsev tries to free his leg and advance position but zu Lichtenberg is retaining full guard.

zu Lichtenberg has his feet on Kudryavtsev's hips. He pushes off and gets to his feet. Nice work.
Svyatoslav Kudryavtsev has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Kudryavtsev moves forwards but zu Lichtenberg connects with a nice, crisp jab.
Kudryavtsev has a takedown stuffed.
Heinrich zu Lichtenberg has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Svyatoslav Kudryavtsev.
zu Lichtenberg throws a series of punches but Kudryavtsev moves out of range.
Some wild striking there from zu Lichtenberg.

Kudryavtsev looking for a takedown here - he's got it.

And that's the end of the fight!
That was a close round. You could make an argument for either fighter but I would give it to Heinrich zu Lichtenberg.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for zu Lichtenberg, winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Ivan Kurochkin scores the fight 30:27
Judge Fedor Mirinova scores the fight 30:27
Judge Illya Tyunina scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Heinrich zu Lichtenberg!